Sydney FC Sign US goalkeeper of the year

Sydney FC have signed the US National Women’s Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Year Michelle Betos on loan for the upcoming Westfield W-League 2015/16 season, the club announced today.

Betos joins the Sky Blues from NWSL club Portland Thorns where she played alongside Westfield Matildas Stephanie Catley and Claire Polkinghorne, England international and former Sky Blue Jodie Taylor and competed for a starting berth with former FIFA World Player Of The Year Nadine Angerer.

In her most recent season with the Thorns, the New York born shot stopper made a total of 14 appearances, facing 63 shots on goal and making 45 saves. The 27 year old also dominated the highlights in the States this season after becoming the first goalkeeper to score a goal in the National Women’s Soccer League with a powerful 95th minute header earning a share of the points against FC Kansas City, and subsequently the NWSL Player of the Week award.

Betos was announced as the NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year on 16 September following her career best form during the 2015 season.

Betos said she was eager to compete in the Westfield W-League for the first time and has says consulting with her Westfield Matildas team mates in Portland helped convince her to travel to Australia.

"I'm really excited to spend this upcoming season with Sydney FC,” she said.

“I was so impressed with the Matildas during this past World Cup and have heard great things about the league from Steph Catley and Claire Polkinghorne, my club teammates in the U.S. league.

“Jasmyne Spencer also said her experience with Sydney FC last year was top notch and learning about the different cultures of the world, both on and off the pitch, is an opportunity that I could not pass up.

“I'm really looking forward to being in such a great city and helping the team have another successful year."

Sydney FC Westfield W-League Head Coach Daniel Barrett said he was looking forward to working with Betos and believes her qualities match up perfectly with what the Sky Blues are after.

“I look forward to welcoming Michelle to the squad,” he said.

“When searching for goalkeepers to be a part of Sydney FC for this season not only did they have to have to possess quality shot stopping abilities but distribution was also so very important. Michelle has these qualities and will surely add value to Sydney FC this season.”

Sydney FC’s Westfield W-League squad kick off the season at home to Melbourne City FC at Lambert Park, Leichhardt on Sunday 18 October (kick off 5:30pm). Purchase tickets at the gate or become a W-League Member today and make sure you don’t miss a moment of action during the 2015/16 season.

Sydney FC W-League Memberships are now on sale for the Westfield W-League 2015/16 season. Click HERE to become part of the Sky Blues family